6 African Island Countries Adventure Seekers Should Visit

From the peaks of Madagascar to the picturesque beaches of Seychelles, African island countries are among the most spectacular destinations in the world. Each of these charming islands is a paradise for adventure seekers who dream of something else apart from the savannah, jungles and diverse landscapes that the mainland is known for.

So whether you want to avoid the crowds or just want to find a place to spend the summer holidays, today we’ll be looking at all the island countries in Africa.

Table of Contents

How Many African Island Countries Are There?

To begin with, there are a total of six island countries in Africa. Whereas some have been frequented by renowned celebrities and honeymooners over the years, others don’t get as much traffic due to security reasons and are also rarely talked about by travel media. Below are all the six countries located on the coast of Africa.

1. Madagascar

Madagascar. Photo/ PeakD.

Sometimes referred to as the eighth continent, Madagascar is by far the biggest island off the coast of Africa. It is located on the southeast coast of the continent and has an area of 587,041 square kilometres. Since getting independence in 1960, Madagascar has had conflicts brought about by elections, political instability, coups and violent unrest. Due to the lack of stability, it is one of the poorest countries.

However, Madagascar is a fantastic island destination full of incredible adventures such as hiking, diving and exploring wildlife. One of the most popular islands of Madagascar is Nosy Be, which means “Big Island” in the Malagasy language. Here, there are more than 20 dive sites and Lokobe Natural Reserve which a good number of creatures on the island call home. The best time to visit Madagascar is during the cooler, dry season which runs from mid-May to October.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius, one of the African island countries, is a tropical paradise boasting some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent. This has led to some people saying that the island was fashioned out of the handbook of the Gods. From jagged indigo mountains framing the island to soft sage palms and shores, the island seems to be out of this world in terms of beauty.

Unlike many other places in Africa, Mauritius is a year-round destination which means it can be explored at any given time of the year.

The island of Mauritius. Photo/ Explore Travel.

3. Seychelles

Seychelles is one of the most popular African island countries amongst tourists since it offers plenty of sightseeing and entertainment options. This archipelago of 115 islands has stunning tourist places which include pristine beaches surrounded by turquoise sea waters, tropical lush vegetation and exclusive hotels.

From hiking to scuba diving to birdwatching to just relaxing on the shores, Seychelles is a dream destination for adventure seekers. The archipelago lies on the east coast of East Africa and has a landmass of just 452 square kilometres.

4. Comoros

Commonly referred to as the “perfume islands” because of their fragrant plant life, Comoros is one of those islands worth exploring. Unfortunately, power struggles which have been on over the years have affected tourism in this hidden gem boasting incredible diversity of wildlife, an amazing stretch of sandy beaches and blue waters for snorkellers and swimmers to explore. The Comoros is made of three islands and is located on Africa’s east coast.

Comoros islands. Photo/Pinterest

5. Cape Verde

One of the safest destinations in West Africa for tourists, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is a stunning island chain offering unmatched holiday experiences. Here, you’ll find various white sandy beaches, water sports, unspoiled nature, interesting cultures, and Portuguese ambience.

Cape Verde consists of ten volcanic islands and interestingly, each island has something to offer tourists. The archipelago sits some 500 kilometres west of Senegal and has a land area of about 4,033 square kilometres.

6. Sao Tome and Principe

At one point a leading cocoa producer, Sao Tome and Principe is one of the African island countries you should visit at least once in your lifetime. This volcanic chain is located in West Africa and boasts breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, diverse wildlife, pristine beaches and lush rainforests as well as unique cultural experiences. Some of the activities to enjoy here include swimming, snorkelling, birdwatching and hiking.

Sao Tome and Principe. Photo/ Niarra Travel.

What Is the Name of the Largest Island Country in Africa?

Madagascar is one of the most popular island nations in the world. Apart from being the largest island country in Africa, it also ranks as the fourth largest island in the world. It is located in the southwestern part of the Indian Ocean.